Community Partners

Community organizations interested in collaborating and hosting student academic service learning projects, posting unpaid internships, sharing volunteer events and other partnerships can start here how to get involved and learn what is expected of a partnership.

Academic service learning projects can include: 

  • An experience (service provided, but no product created)
  • A project (may have a product or tangible outcome met; for example: researching the product, space, and funding needed to put in a computer lab, hosting or participating in a health and wellness fair, creating a database to track donors, etc.) 
  • Research (collecting data, finding a product and writing a proposal. For example: "What would it take to install solar to off-set 70% electricity usage?" or "How viable would it be to start a new program?"etc.)

This project must be related to a program area (i.e. Horticulture, Nursing, IT, Human Services Associate, Accounting, Administrative Professional, etc.) in collaboration with a faculty member or the Impact Program and communicated effectively prior to the start of the project.

We ask that you keep the following expectations in mind, as academic service learning involves students who are learning their craft. Timeframes are limited to one-semester (unless intentionally structured with the faculty member in advance). Semesters run for 15 weeks starting at the beginning of January, May, and September. Students may be required to obtain verification of hours spent or duties performed to meet course requirements. 

Other opportunities for partnership include:

Posting an Unpaid Internship

Any organization wishing to post an unpaid internship opportunity for Gateway Technical College students would need to submit a complete job description and timeline to the Impact Program office. Job descriptions should include duties, time requirement, and expected skill set.

Sharing a Volunteer Event

The Impact Program maintains a volunteer portal where students can learn about volunteer opportunities and track their involvement online. Email marbess@gtc.edu to add an opportunity to the site.

General Partnerships

The Impact Program takes our partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations very seriously. We strive to ensure that our projects are mutually beneficial, communication transparent, and expectations reasonable. If your organization would like to consider being a partner to host students, post volunteer opportunities, or to learn more, in general, please contact the Impact Program Office.